CLYDE – A single lane of U.S. 74 East in Clyde will close for five days while a contractor for the N.C. Department of Transportation prepares to shift U.S. 74 East traffic to a new detour alignment.
Crews from NHM Constructors of Asheville will close one lane in a short stretch just south of Interstate 40 starting Sunday night. U.S. 74 East traffic will be shifted onto the new detour alignment Thursday night providing drivers with the standard two lanes starting Friday morning.
Drivers on U.S. 23/74 East should anticipate periods of heavy congestion — especially during morning commuting hours — plan ahead and consider an alternative route. Eastbound drivers may utilize N.C. 209 North (Exit 104) to reach I-40 West, or U.S. 19/23 (Exit 106) through Canton to reach I-40 East and avoid this work zone.
The operation is part of a $17.7 million project to replace the 64-year-old bridge over Southern Railroad which has reached the end of its service life. Following the traffic shift, crews will begin operations to remove the old bridge.
The new bridge will be built to modern standards, including a taller guardrail. Construction activities began last fall, and the contract calls for completion in the spring of 2028.